Spring Compressed Between Two Points At A Fixed Distance From Each Other Patents (Class 200/409)
  • Patent number: 11501936
    Abstract: A temperature switch includes an elastically deformable movable plate, a movable contact on the movable plate, a fixed contact facing the movable contact, a thermally deformable member, a vibration suppression section, and a cover. The thermally deformable member is elastically deformed in accordance with a temperature change to elastically deform the movable plate such that the movable contact is in contact with the fixed contact or spaced apart from the fixed contact. The vibration suppression section suppresses vibrations of the movable plate by contacting a fixed-edge side when the movable plate is elastically deformed to shift the movable plate from being in contact with the fixed contact to being spaced apart therefrom. The cover surrounds the movable and fixed contacts, and the vibration suppression section is a projecting section provided on the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Uchiya Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Takeda
  • Patent number: 10157717
    Abstract: A switch device structure serves to help in stably moving an operation rod. The switch device includes a contact fixing support assembled with an insulation case. The fixing support is formed with multiple openings. A connection board and multiple support members are correspondingly assembled in the openings. The support member has a base section and a neck section, which together define a passage. The operation rod is assembled with an elastic unit and can pass through the passage and the connection board to extend into the fixing support so as to move a wire connection assembly in the case. The switch device structure improves the shortcoming of the conventional switch device that the operation rod is apt to shake and deflect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignees: Switchlab Inc., Switchlab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan Wu, Wu Yi Tsai
  • Patent number: 8383975
    Abstract: An enhanced withstand voltage micro switch includes a base and a cap covering the base. The cap has a press element movable up and down. The base has a conductive member depressed by the press element and a connecting section extended upwards. The base also includes a first contact, and a second contact extended from the connecting section and located above the first contact. The conductive member is swung during up and down movement of the press element to connect with the first or the second contact. The connecting section has an isolation portion jutting sideward between the first and second contacts to prevent generation of a conductive layer caused by connection of the conductive member with the first and second contacts on the connecting section. Thus secured insulation can be formed between the first and second contacts to withstand a higher voltage test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Ching-Hsin Lin, King-Long Lee
  • Patent number: 7881049
    Abstract: The invention discloses a transmission apparatus set in a data processing system. The data processing system includes a display device and an input device. The display device is connected to the input device through a connecting member. The transmission apparatus includes a pivot, a fixed plate, a movable plate, a sliding member, a pulley, and a cable. When the pivot revolves along with the connecting member, the pivot drives the cable to slide the sliding member, and then moves the movable plate along with a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Yi-Chen Wang
  • Patent number: 7232971
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a shell, a movable press strip, a metal strip, a C-shaped plate spring, and three conductors. A first and a second conductor are inserted through the bottom of the shell, respectively have an upper end extending up in the shell, with a first contact point on its upper end of the first conductor, with an upper end of the second conductor connected with a metal strip, which has one end facing under a first press member of the press strip and an elastic contact strip with one end provided with a second contact point facing under the first contact point. A C-shaped plate spring has two lower ends connected with the metal strip, and a curved-up portion facing a second press member. The contact strip may disfigure by high heat caused by excessive current, curling upward to force the first contact point snap off the second contact point to cut off the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Tsan-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 7091952
    Abstract: Switch arrays such as keyboards are described. The switch arrays may include an array of dome spring elements. Each dome spring element may define a chamber, and a plurality of channels may interconnect the chambers of the dome spring elements such that each chamber of each dome spring element is in fluid communication with the chamber of at least one of the other dome spring elements. The array of dome spring elements may provide a hermetic seal to the bottom side of individual dome spring elements to avoid the sticky key phenomenon. The switch arrays may also include alignments elements. For example, the alignment elements may include hook-like elements that engage one another to define a distance of travel for switches in the switch arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Raymond Patrick Johnston, Jennifer Rebecca Yi, Brian Edward Spiewak
  • Patent number: 6847000
    Abstract: A negative rate snap-acting switch apparatus and method is disclosed, which generally includes a plunger associated with an actuating lever, a stationary anchor, a moveable contact, and at least two stationary contacts. The negative rate snap-acting switch apparatus also includes a snap-spring assembly reactive to the actuating lever, wherein the snap-spring assembly is assembled into the stationary anchor and the actuating lever to form a spring-anchor-lever assembly thereof including a central spring member loaded into an axial compression and persuaded to bend into a post-buckled elastic mode shape thereof to form a negative rate snap-acting switch apparatus in which the moveable and the stationary contacts are responsive to an actuating force derived from the snap-spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Marchini, Edward L. Stern
  • Patent number: 6646217
    Abstract: An annular first fixed contact is provided on a substrate, and a second fixed contact is provided on the substrate within the first fixed contact. A spherical spring contact having legs is mounted on the first fixed contact by the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuki Omata
  • Patent number: 5905241
    Abstract: A threshold microswitch includes a movable electrode, realizing an initial deflection by a difference in residual stresses; an upper electrode, provided at a fixed distance from the movable electrode; and a support mechanism, including a movable electrode support portion which supports both ends of the movable electrode such that a snap-through buckling phenomenon can be used when the movable electrode receives a threshold load. An upper electrode support portion supports the upper electrode such that switching with the movable electrode is realized when the same undergoes snap-through buckling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kwanhum Park, Youngho Gho, Jeungsang Go, Byungman Kwak
  • Patent number: 5671841
    Abstract: A switching mechanism comprising a housing, a spring, first and second movable contacts mechanically attached to the spring, first and second substantially fixed contacts attached to the housing, and an actuator is provided. The spring comprises first and second edges substantially fixed to the housing. In a rest position the first and second movable contacts do not electrically contact the first and second substantially fixed contacts, respectively. The actuator centrally actuates the spring to cause the first and second movable contacts to move in the same direction as the central portion of the spring and to electrically contact the first and second substantially fixed contacts.The spring is preferably a snap spring shaped in the form of a cross comprising a column member and first and second protruding wings. The first and second movable contacts are preferably mechanically and electrically connected to the first and second protruding wings respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Calculagraph Co.
    Inventor: Richard Owen Glasson
  • Patent number: 5647479
    Abstract: An electrical rocker switch having a clam-shell like housing in which a rocker is pivotally mounted. A unitary multi-function operating assembly fabricated from spring stock materials operates as an over-center spring to establish two rest positions for the rocker. A trifurcated second end of the operating assembly provides springs to urge the contact assembly into intimate engagement with the boss on the underside of the rocker. Cross-members of the operating assembly bear movable contacts which selectively engage fixed contacts on the housing to complete external electrical circuits connected to the operating assembly and fixed contacts. An additional housing can be placed about the clam-shell like housing to seal the switch from the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Gernhardt, Serge Krzyzanowski
  • Patent number: 5570778
    Abstract: An electrical rocker switch having a clam-shell like housing in which a rocker is pivotally mounted. A unitary multi-function operating assembly fabricated from spring stock materials operates as an over-center spring to establish two rest positions for the rocker. A trifurcated second end of the operating assembly provides springs to urge the contact assembly into intimate engagement with the boss on the underside of the rocker. Cross-members of the operating assembly bear movable contacts which selectively engage fixed contacts on the housing to complete external electrical circuits connected to the operating assembly and fixed contacts. An additional housing can be placed about the clam-shell like housing to seal the switch from the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Gernhardt, Serge Krzyzanowski
  • Patent number: 5541376
    Abstract: An insulating switch base with a top, bottom and an edge has openings through the top and one edge for a conductor. A conductive switch lead frame has proximal ends with insulation displacement connectors bent in the openings. A resilient member on the frame has a moveable contact and is conductively associated with a connector. A contoured arm on the frame is distal of, but conductive with, another connector. The arm is spaced from the resilient member as an open contact capable of momentary engagement. A frangible area on each frame is between the resilient member and the arm. Recesses in the top support retain the frame. A slot and barbs on each connector receive one conductor securely in an opening after aligned installation in an opening, seating of the frame in its recess and severing the area over a passage in the base. A membrane attaches over the frame and a molding is applied about the membrane leaving the resilient member open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Valleylab Inc
    Inventors: James R. Ladtkow, Glenn A. Horner, Richard W. Petersen
  • Patent number: 5130506
    Abstract: Pivotal movement of a switch actuator drives a finger projecting from the actuator against a convexly bowed leaf spring, depressing an intermediate portion of the leaf spring to an unstable concave condition. The leaf spring resists the actuator movement, initially with an increasing force but changing to a decreasing force at a predictable point in actuator movement to provide tactile feedback at an operator affixed to the actuator. The leaf spring is a flat beam. The spring force and point of changeover can be readily and predictably varied during manufacture by selecting springs having different widths, thicknesses or other variable parameters. A modular block holds the spring in the bowed condition and is positioned relative to the actuator finger by a support plate. The actuator finger drives the spring against a conductive rubber block, compressing the block against spaced conductors on a printed circuit to complete the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph C. Zuercher, Edward G. Lewis, Michael G. Taranowski, Constance L. Williams
  • Patent number: 5053592
    Abstract: Pivotal movement of a switch actuator drives a finger projecting from the actuator against a convexly bowed leaf spring, depressing an intermediate portion of the leaf spring to an unstable concave condition. The leaf spring resists the actuator movement, initially with an increasing force but changing to a decreasing force at a predictable point in actuator movement to provide tactile feedback at an operator affixed to the actuator. The leaf spring is a flat beam. The spring foce and point of changeover can be readily and predictably varied during manufacture by selecting springs having different widths, thicknesses or other variable parameters. A modular block holds the spring in the bowed condition and is positioned relative to the actuator finger by a support plate. The actuator finger drives the spring against a conductive rubber block, compressing the block against spaced conductors on a printed circuit to complete the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph C. Zuercher
  • Patent number: 5006681
    Abstract: A leaf spring system, in particular for influencing a least one body operating or comprising one or more contacts of an electric switch, with a frame aperature and at least one leaf spring which can act on the at least one body. The leaf spring system comprises a supporting frame for receiving the leaf spring in the frame aperture thereof. The spring is supported at one end and has another projecting free end whereby the one body to be influenced by the spring action is accommodated between this other end and the supporting frame. The dimension of the body in the frame aperture is greater than the distance between the edge of the supporting frame and the free end of the at least one leaf spring when the latter is situated essentially in the plane of the supporting frame. The supporting frame is secured against movement relative to the leaf spring and body. The invention further relates to electric switches provided with such a leaf spring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Holec Systemen en Componenten B.V.
    Inventors: Albert J. Postmus, Derk van der Scheer
  • Patent number: 4916277
    Abstract: An alternate action mechanism having a housing with first and second transverse walls enclosing a snap-acting switch accessible through a hole in the first wall. An actuator includes a plunger disposed in the hole for operating the switch and a guide structure slidable along the exterior surface of the second wall. A cam formed on the second wall cooperates with a follower carried by the guide structure to alternately retain the plunger in and release it from a depressed position upon successive depressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Tretter
  • Patent number: 4891481
    Abstract: An electrical snap-action type switch contact blade (80) is provided. Blade (80) has a base (6) and an electrical contact region (10) intermediate a pair of spaced-apart support legs (14) that extend angularly away from base (6) to respective free-ends. A tongue (12) extends arcuately away from region (10) in a direction opposite to support legs (14) and towards base (6) to a free-end (23). Free-end (23) of tongue (12) and the free-ends of support legs (14) respectively engage spaced-apart anchoring sites to secure blade (80) to the switch frame. Blade (80) can be actuated by application and removal of a Force (F) both against base (6) and for a prescribed distance (X) along support legs (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: John Comerford
  • Patent number: 4847016
    Abstract: For continuous heterogeneous hydrogenation, fats, fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives are brought into contact with hydrogen in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst dispersed in a liquid phase in a tubular packed reactor, of which the length-to-diameter ratio is .gtoreq.10:1, under pressure of from 0.5 to 300 bar and at temperatures of from 60.degree. to 260.degree. C. The reactor is packed with a geometrically regularly arranged elements of a material inert to the components under the reaction conditions, and the hydrogen is passed through the reactor in parallel current or countercurrent to the fatty acid substrate under a gas velocity of from 0.5 to 30 cm/sec., based on the overall cross-section of the reactor. Preferably the catalyst is fixed on an insoluble support and suspended in small quantities of the particular reaction product before being added to the substrate and entering the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventor: Gerd Gobel
  • Patent number: 4822959
    Abstract: A switch element including a ribbon-type spring member having a plurality of interconnected inner and outer loops and stressed to cause the member to take a substantially dome-shaped configuration and the loops to store a predetermined amount of energy. The spring member is made of electrically conductive material, and adapted to coact with contacts to open and close a circuit and to define a snap-acting function for the element that may be used for monostable or bistable switch operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Schwab-Koplin Assoc., Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre P. Schwab
  • Patent number: 4808778
    Abstract: An improved switching apparatus comprising a housing defined by a casing body with an upper lid and fixed and movable contacts built within the housing which are capable of being opened or closed by the manipulation of an operable member supported on the upper lid. Switch connections are achieved in engaging portions at the lower end of a movable contactor having a movable contact. The engaging portions are supported at and extend from the lower end of the movable contactor. The movable contact of the movable contactor is located opposite a fixed contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Jimbo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shiori Fujiyoshi